Rapid-connect coupler and receptacle having anti-rotation feature

ABSTRACT

A rapid connect coupler for connecting a fluid holding tank to a receptacle in a non-rotatable manner can include a housing, a probe configured to translate in a longitudinal direction within the housing, and a handle assembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing. The handle assembly can be movable between a plurality of positions corresponding to decoupled, coupled and venting positions. The coupler can also include a slidable sleeve coupled to an outer surface of the probe and configured to translate with the probe in the longitudinal direction, the sleeve including a collar configured to engage the receptacle in the coupled and uncoupled positions to prevent rotation of the coupler with respect to the receptacle when the two components are engaged to one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No.62/829,928, filed on Apr. 5, 2019, which is incorporated by reference inits entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to a rapid-connect coupler configuredto deliver cold fluid to a receptacle (e.g., a fuel tank).

BACKGROUND

Cold fluids at cryogenic temperatures (e.g., less than −150 degreesCelsius) pose special handling problems, principally because thetemperature of such fluids may quickly cool any valve or coupler throughwhich they flow. When such a coupler is used to transfer a cryogenicfluid, freeze-up problems may occur if the transfer takes place in amoist or high-humidity environment. Water within or immediately outsideof the coupler may freeze, thereby impeding subsequent movement ofmechanical parts within the coupler. Successive transfers from a singlecoupler to multiple receptacles may compound the problem.

Additionally, when de-coupling a coupler and receptacle, some amount offluid venting to ambient is necessary. If the vented fluid is at highpressure, the venting may cause the coupler to forcefully eject from thereceptacle.

SUMMARY

This application is defined by the appended claims. The descriptionsummarizes aspects of the embodiments and should not be used to limitthe claims. Other implementations are contemplated in accordance withthe techniques described herein, as will be apparent upon examination ofthe following drawings and detailed description, and suchimplementations are intended to be within the scope of this application.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a rapid-connect couplerfor connecting a fluid holding tank to a receptacle in a manner thatprevents rotation of the coupler with respect to the receptacle duringthe entire time of engagement of the two components. Rotation of thecoupler when it is engaged to the receptacle may cause damage to theinternal valve components of either side. The coupler in accordance withthe present disclosure comprises a housing, a probe configured totranslate in a longitudinal direction within the housing, and a handleassembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housing.The handle assembly can be movable between a first positioncorresponding to a decoupled position where the fluid holding tank isdisconnected from the receptacle, a second position corresponding to acoupled position where the fluid holding tank is connected to thereceptacle, a third position corresponding to a venting position wherethe fluid holding tank is connected to the receptacle and venting offluid is enabled. The coupler further comprises a slidable sleevecoupled to an outer surface of the probe and configured to translatewith the probe in the longitudinal direction, the sleeve including acollar configured to engage the receptacle in the second and thirdpositions, thereby preventing rotation of the coupler with respect tothe receptacle.

A rapid-connect coupler for use with the present disclosure is taught incommonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 9,897,239, the terms of which areincorporated herein by reference. Such a rapid connect coupler mayinclude, for example, a vent stop assembly that includes a releaselever, release spring, latch pawl, latch spring, catch, and reset cam.The latch pawl may be configured to engage with a probe flange of aprobe to implement a hard stop of the probe translating within therapid-connect coupler. The catch may be configured to hold the latchpawl in an “up” position.

Such a rapid connect coupler may also include, for example, a housingbody, a probe, a handle assembly, and a stop vent assembly is disclosed.The probe may be configured to translate within the housing body. Thehandle assembly may be coupled to the housing body and the probe, andthe handle assembly may be configured to cause the probe to translatewithin the housing body. The stop vent assembly may be configured toenable the rapid-connect coupler to transition from a decoupledconfiguration to a coupled configuration without a hard stop, andconfigured to enable the rapid-connect coupler to transition to aventing configuration between transitioning from the decoupledconfiguration to the coupled configuration. The rapid-connect couplermay further include a vent stop apparatus configured to allow a couplinghead of the rapid-connect coupler to transition from a decoupledconfiguration to a coupled configuration without obstruction. The ventstop apparatus may further be configured to provide a hard-stop at aventing position as the coupling head transitions from the coupledconfiguration to the decoupled configuration. The reader is referred toU.S. Pat. No. 9,897,239 for further benefits of such a coupler.

For a better understanding of the disclosure, reference may be made toembodiments shown in the drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily to scale, and related elements may be omitted so as toemphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. Inaddition, system components can be variously arranged, as known in theart. In the figures, like referenced numerals may refer to like partsthroughout the different figures unless otherwise specified. It shouldbe understood that for clarity in certain cross-sectional views, certainelements are not shown in cross-section, as doing so would not assist inthe understanding of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a prior art rapid-connect coupler, depictingthree handle positions.

FIG. 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the rapid-connect coupler ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top cross-sectional view of the rapid-connect coupler ofFIG. 1 with the handles in a second position.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the rapid-connect coupler ofFIG. 1 and an exemplary receptacle.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the rapid-connect coupler ofFIG. 1 along 5-5 of FIG. 1 with the handles in a first position.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view similar to FIG. 5 with the handlesin the second position.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view similar to FIG. 5 with the handlesin a third position and with a stop in a first position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view similar to FIG. 7 with the stop ina second position.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a coupling head of the rapid-connectcoupler of FIG. 1 showing details of retaining balls.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary rapid-connect coupler withan anti-rotation sleeve and with handles in a coupled position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary fueling receptacle withanti-rotation adapter.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the coupler of FIG. 10 coupled to a portion ofthe receptacle of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a coupler head section of thecoupler shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the coupler of FIG. 10 withhandles in a decoupled position.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the coupler of FIG. 10 with handles in aventing position.

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the coupler of FIG. 10 and thereceptacle of FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the features, methods, devices, and systems described herein maybe embodied in various forms, there are shown in the drawings, and willhereinafter be described, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments.Not all of the depicted components described in this disclosure may berequired, however, and some implementations may include additional,different, or fewer components from those expressly described in thisdisclosure. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components maybe made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims as setforth herein. As stated above, it should be understood that for clarityin certain cross-sectional views, certain elements are not shown incross-section, as doing so would not assist in the understanding of theinvention.

FIG. 1 is a top view of a prior art rapid-connect coupler 100 having acoupler head section 101 and a coupler body section 102. The componentsof rapid-connect coupler 100 may be considered to be part of a firststructure and/or a second structure, wherein component(s) of the firststructure and the second structure are configured to move relative toeach other as further described herein. The first structure may includea sleeve 205, one or more drive pins 210, and a probe assembly 215,which includes a coupling end 220. The one or more drive pins 210 extendthough a respective drive slot 140 defined in a ball cage 225. The drivepins 210 link the sleeve 205 to the probe assembly 215. Drive pins 210are fixed to the probe assembly 215 via opposing retaining rings 655 aand 655 b. As shown In FIG. 2, the retaining rings 655 a and 655 bcompress against an outer circumference of the probe assembly 215. Thesecond structure includes the ball cage 225 defining a coupling orifice230 and including one or more balls 245. The balls 245 are retainingobjects that are configured to bind the rapid-connect coupler 100 to areceptacle (e.g., a fueling receptacle 400).

A first poppet assembly 235 resides within coupling orifice 230 and maybe biased by a poppet assembly spring 280. The first poppet assembly 235further comprises a retainer 240 and a seal assembly 260. The secondstructure may further include one or more guide pins 250, and a housingbarrel 255. The one or more guide pins 250 center the probe assembly 215along the longitudinal central axis of housing barrel 255. Additionally,the second structure, or portions thereof, may be removable andconfigured for easy and swift removal and replacement, which may berequired due to damage or maintenance needs. Certain portions of thedesign described herein are similar to that disclosed in commonly ownedU.S. Pat. No. 9,194,524, the contents of which are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

Rapid-connect coupler 100 further includes a first handle 130A and asecond handle 130B of a handle assembly. FIG. 1 illustrates thepositions of the first handle 130A and the second handle 130B in threedifferent configurations of rapid-connect coupler 100: (1) configurationA corresponds to a decoupled state of rapid-connect coupler 100; (2)configuration B corresponds to a coupled state of rapid-connect coupler100; and (3) configuration C corresponds to a semi-coupled state ofrapid-connect coupler 100 that enables venting. As discussed below, avent stop assembly is configured to provide a hard stop in configurationC.

FIG. 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the rapid-connect coupler 100 inconfiguration A when handles 130A and 130B are pulled all orsubstantially all the way back away from coupler head section 101.Handles 130A and 130B are rotatably coupled to housing barrel 255 via afirst barrel flange 270A and a second barrel flange 270B. Additionally,a first link assembly 275A and a second link assembly 275B of the handleassembly are rotatably attached to first handle 130A and second handle130B, respectively. The first link assembly 275A and second linkassembly 275B are also rotatably attached to probe assembly 215. Morespecifically, one end of each link assembly 275 may be fixed to a handle130. The other end of each link assembly 275 may be fixed the probeassembly 215 via a base 605. Base 605 is directly attached to the probeassembly 215, and base 605 may be fixed to the probe assembly 215 via acompressive force delivered by a ring 610.

As handles 130A and 130B rotate, enabling the rapid-connect coupler 100to transition between the A and B configurations, the first structurelongitudinally translates relative to the second structure along thecentral axis X. More specifically, rotation of handles 130A and 130Bfrom their positions in configuration A to their positions inconfiguration B delivers longitudinal force to probe assembly 215, vialink assemblies 275. This longitudinal force opposes a counter-biasingforce of probe spring 265, enabling longitudinal translation of probeassembly 215 in housing barrel 255. Sleeve 205 longitudinally translateswith probe assembly 215 by virtue of drive pins 210. In FIG. 2, sleeve205 is longitudinally retracted with respect to ball cage 225. In FIG.3, sleeve 205 is longitudinally extended with respect to ball cage 225.One end of probe spring 265 may rest on spring seat 625, which is fixedto flange 290. Flange 290 is described in detail below. The other end ofprobe spring 265 may rest against spring stop 620, which is fixed tohousing barrel 255 via pins, screws, or bolts 615.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of a rapid-connect coupler 100 anda fueling receptacle 400 aligned along a central axis X. The fuelingreceptacle 400 comprises a coupling body 410, which includes a lip 420,and a recess 425 behind lip 420. The coupling body 410 defines a secondpoppet orifice 430. A second poppet assembly 440 is disposed withinsecond poppet orifice 430 and is biased closed by spring 450.

Rapid-connect coupler 100 is configured to couple with fuelingreceptacle 400. Referring to FIG. 4, coupling body 410 slides into firstcoupling orifice 230, enabling retainer 240 to slide into second poppetorifice 430. As retainer 240 slides into second poppet orifice 430,spring seal 260 seals against an inner diameter of coupling body 410.Additionally, first poppet assembly 235 bears against second poppetassembly 440. Force from second poppet assembly 440 opposescounter-biasing force of spring 280, enabling first poppet assembly 235to longitudinally translate until reaching a hard stop 650 (labeled inFIG. 9). When first poppet assembly 235 longitudinally translates,sealing surface 640 of poppet assembly 235 retreats from valve seat 645of retainer 240. Fluid may now flow from coupling end 220, through probeassembly 215, and into second poppet orifice 430.

Once first poppet assembly 235 bears against hard stop 650 (labeled inFIG. 9), first poppet assembly 235 transfers enhanced longitudinal forceto second poppet assembly 440. The enhanced force opposes acounter-biasing force of spring 450 and enables second poppet assembly440 to longitudinally retreat from a valve seat (not shown). It shouldbe appreciated that second poppet assembly 440 may operate according tothe same general principles as first poppet assembly 235.

In configuration A, when coupling body 410 is received within firstcoupling orifice 230, the lip 420 pushes the one or more balls 245radially outward in their slots 910 (see FIG. 9) until lip 420longitudinally translates past the balls 245. A user then engagesconfiguration B, as shown in FIG. 3. In configuration B, sleeve 205covers the slots 910, which locks balls 245 into a recess 425 behind lip420. Coupling body 410 is now locked within first coupling orifice 230.

In configuration B, the second poppet assembly 440 and the first poppetassembly 235 may be operable to enable fluid flow from the rapid-connectcoupler 100 into coupling body 410. As discussed above, seal 260 sealsagainst the interior circumference of the coupling body 410 within thesecond poppet orifice 430. Seal assembly 260 is a two piece sealincluding an energizing spring.

When the rapid-connect coupler 100 is released from fueling receptacle400, the contents thereof such as a fluid (e.g. liquid natural gas), mayvent from rapid-connect coupler 100 as the connection with fuelingreceptacle 400 is broken. The fluid vents through slots 635 inreceptacle 400 and slots 630 in coupler 100. Venting occurs when seal260 longitudinally retreats past slots 635, thus exposing second poppetorifice 430 to ambient atmosphere.

It is desirable to allow rapid-connect coupler 100 to vent beforerapid-connect coupler 100 is fully disengaged from fueling receptacle400 because venting can generate a substantial propulsive force on oneor more of the coupler 100 and the receptacle 400. Rapid-connect coupler100 applies a positive stop in configuration C, which enables therapid-connect coupler 100 to vent before it is fully disengaged fromfueling receptacle 400.

FIG. 7 shows configuration C of rapid-connect coupler 100. In generalterms, probe assembly 215 hard stops against edge 523. In this position,sleeve 205 covers the balls 245 (and more specifically, the ball slots910). As a result, sleeve 205 presses balls 245 into groove 425.Receptacle 400 cannot detach from coupler 100 in this position. Thepoppet assemblies no longer touch and therefore close. Further, seal 260has longitudinally retreated behind venting slots 635, enabling ventingof fluid from orifice 430 to ambient via venting slots 635 and 630.

After venting has been completed, a user may actuate the vent stopassembly to fully retract probe assembly 215 (and therefore sleeve 205).Now lip 420 exerts a radial force on balls 245, causing balls 245 toradially translate and disengage from groove 425. Once this hasoccurred, the user may retract coupler 100 from receptacle 400. Balls245 are spherical, made of a metal, and sized for an interference fitwithin slots 910. The spherical shape of balls 245 advantageouslyrelease from grooves 425 more efficiently than other shapes. Also,spherical balls 245 tend to release ice efficiently.

As discussed above, rapid-connect coupler 100 is configured to generatea positive stop at configuration C via a vent stop assembly. FIG. 5depicts the vent stop assembly and also shows the rapid-connect coupler100 in the decoupled state corresponding to configuration A. The ventstop assembly (also referred to as a stop assembly) includes a releaselever 501, a lever spring 502, a lever spring connector 503, a latchpawl 520, a catch 510, a latch pin 522, and reset cam 530. Release lever501, lever spring connector 503, catch 510, and latch pawl 520, may beattached, either directly or indirectly, to housing barrel 255, whilereset cam 530 may be attached to probe assembly 215. One end of thelever spring 502 directly attaches to release lever 501 and another endof lever spring 502 directly attaches to lever spring connector 503,which is fixed to housing barrel 255.

Latch pawl 520 is rotatably mounted on rod 521 and is rotatable betweena “down” position where its front edge 523 engages with probe flange 290to provide the hard stop that arrests translation of probe assembly 215at configuration C, as shown in FIG. 7, and an “up” position where latchpawl 520 is clear of probe flange 290, as shown in FIG. 5. As describedbelow, reset cam 530 acts to reset latch pawl 520 from its “up” positionto the “down” position when handles 130A, 130B are moved fromconfiguration A to configuration B. As depicted, latch pawl 520 isbiased down towards probe assembly 215 due to the downward biasing forceof release lever 501 and/or lever spring 502.

When rapid-connect coupler 100 is in configuration A, as illustrated inFIG. 5, latch pawl 520 is retained in the “up” position by frictionalforces between latch pawl 520 and catch 510. Such frictional forcesprovide an upward holding force that may be greater than, or equal to,the downward biasing forces being exerted on the latch pawl 520 by oneor more of the rod 521 and release lever 501. Latch pawl 520 does notengage with probe flange 290 while latch pawl 520 is being held in this“up” position by catch 510.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, latch pin 522 is fixed to latch pawl520 and may be integrally formed with latch pawl 520. Latch pin 522transversely extends beyond the outer sides of latch pawl 520. In FIG.5, for example, latch pin 522 extends into and out of the page. Thisenables latch pin 522 to engage both sides of catch 510 (FIG. 1 showsthe two sides of catch 510) without contacting latch pawl 520 directly.This advantageously reduces wear on latch pawl 520 and clears room forlever 501 to engage latch pawl.

Alternatively, latch pawl 520 may be configured to include a top opening(not illustrated) having latch pin 522 extending across it such thatlatch pawl 520 may be configured to engage latch pin 522 through the topopening without contacting latch pawl 520 directly.

By configuring catch 510 to hold latch pawl 520 in the “up” position,the front edge 523 of latch pawl 520 does not contact probe flange 290as probe assembly 215 translates forward towards coupler head section101 as rapid-connect coupler 100 transitions from configuration A (i.e.,the decoupled state) to configuration B (i.e., coupled state). Theangled shape of latch pawl 520 also aids in preventing a hard stop ofprobe assembly 215 during such movement.

Reset cam 530 translates with probe assembly 215 and begins engagementwith latch pawl 520 as rapid-connect coupler 100 transitions toconfiguration B, as shown in FIG. 6. In configuration B, rapid-connectcoupler 100 is coupled to, for example, fueling receptacle 400 asillustrated in FIG. 4. As discussed above, coupler 100 is configured toflow fluid to receptacle 400 in configuration B.

As rapid-connect coupler 100 transitions from configuration A toconfiguration B, handles 130A and 130B rotate toward coupler headsection 101. The forward rotation of handles 130A and 130B rotates links275, thus longitudinally translating probe assembly 215 from withinhousing barrel 255 into a coupled engagement with fueling receptacle400. The translation of probe assembly 215 causes reset cam 530 totranslate forward to engage latch pawl 520. By engaging latch pawl 520,reset cam 530 releases latch pawl 520 from its up position and rotateslatch pawl 520 to its “down” position (shown in FIG. 6). After beingreset by reset cam 530, latch pawl 520 is biased to its down position byone or more of the release lever 501 and/or lever spring 502.

When handles 130A and 130B rotate away from coupler head section 101,rapid-connect coupler 100 transitions from configuration B toconfiguration C, which is shown in FIG. 7. The transition of handles130A and 130B further causes the translation of probe assembly 215 backinto second housing barrel 255 until probe flange 290 contacts latchpawl 520. Following the release of the latch pawl 520 from the “up”position to the “down” position in configuration B, latch pawl 520 isnow in place to contact probe flange 290, as shown in FIG. 7. Asdescribed above, latch pawl 520 provides a hard stop that prevents probeassembly 215 from further retreating within housing barrel 255. Asdescribed above, this keeps coupler 100 and receptacle 400 lockedtogether by virtue of balls 245 and sleeve 205.

Latch pawl 520 may be released from its hard stop engagement with probeflange 290 via release lever 501. The user may release latch pawl 520after proper venting has been accomplished. FIG. 8 illustratesrapid-connect coupler 100 following the release of the hard stopprovided by latch pawl 520 engaging with probe flange 290. Handles 130Aand 130B may continue to occupy their configuration C positions. Adownward force on the opposing end of release lever 501 releases latchpawl 520 releases from the hard stop. More specifically, the downwardforce on the opposing end of release lever 501 causes the other end ofrelease lever 501 to lift or rotate latch pawl 520 toward the catch 510.As described above, the spring 502 may bias release lever 501 to theposition shown in FIG. 7. Release lever 501 pivots about the attachmentpoint between the spring 502 and the release lever 501.

If a part in the coupler 100 becomes stuck due to freezing, it may benecessary to longitudinally agitate (i.e., push and pull) rapid-connectcoupler 100 to fully de-couple from fueling receptacle 400. Morespecifically, a user may need to apply force to handles 130 until theice breaks and the probe assembly 215 is free to move. In these cases,it may be advantageous or necessary to eliminate the hard stop providedby pawl 520. Catch 510 is configured to provide sufficient upwardholding force (e.g., frictional force) on latch pawl 520 in order tokeep latch pawl 520 in the “up” position while the rapid-connect coupleris being agitated. By using catch 510 to help maintain the latch pawl520 in the “up” position, the risk of latch pawl 520 falling down andre-engaging with probe flange 290 to provide the hard stop asrapid-connect coupler 100 is being agitated back and forth may bereduced, or even eliminated.

Typically a user will understand the rapid-connect coupler 100 needs tobe longitudinally agitated following the completion of a venting processwhen coupler 100 is in configuration C of FIG. 7. The user may now applyrelease lever 501 to release the latch pawl 520 from the hard stopposition into the “up” position shown in FIG. 8. More specifically,after realizing a need for the rapid-connect coupler 100 to belongitudinally agitated, the user may longitudinally agitate therapid-connect coupler 100 while catch 510 holds latch pawl 520 in the“up” position. During longitudinally agitation of rapid-connect coupler100, catch 510 is configured to keep latch pawl 520 in the “up”position.

Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 9, it may be desirable for the balls245 to be disposed within tapered slot 910A and tapered slot 910B, whichare defined by tapered wall 920A and tapered wall 920B, respectively.For example, tapered slots 910A, 910B may be concave toward the externaland internal portions of the ball cage 225. Tapered slots 910A, 910B maybe desirable because the tapered slots 910A, 910B tend to release icemore efficiently, which may form within the tapered slots 910A, 910Bwhen cold temperatures are present (e.g., when using a cooled gas suchas liquid natural gas or in cold environmental conditions). The taperedwalls 920A, 920B may be of various configurations and types of tapers,including linear tapers or curved tapers, and the entirety of thetapered slots 910A, 910B may or may not include a taper. Balls 245 maybe made from a metal and sized for a dimensional interference fit insidethe tapered slots 910.

The balls 245 are further sized to protrude from the slots 910 in theradial direction. More specifically, the sleeve 205 causes the balls 245to radially protrude from an inner circumference of ball cage 225. Whensleeve 205 does not cover slots 910, lip 420 causes the balls toradially protrude from an outer circumference of ball cage 225. In FIG.9, ball 245B outwardly radially protrudes from outer circumference B ofball cage 225 to distance A. The outer most point of ball 245B nowradially extends a distance A-B from ball cage 225. In FIG. 9, ball 245Ainwardly radially protrudes from inner circumference D of ball cage 225to a distance C. The inner most point of ball 245A now radially extendsa distance C-D from ball cage 225. Gravity may cause balls 245 to occupythe positions shown in FIG. 9. In other instances, the dimensionalinterference fit is too tight for gravity to radially translate balls245.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-16, shown is a rapid-connect coupler 700 and afueling receptacle 800 further comprising anti-rotation features toprevent coupler 700 from unintentionally rotating relative to receptacle800, for example, during fluid delivery. Excess rotation in this mannercan lead to premature deterioration of the seal (e.g., seal 260) formedbetween the coupler 700 and the receptacle 800, especially in cryogenicapplications where the seal may be particularly delicate. To solve theseand other problems, coupler 700 includes an anti-rotation sleeve 705configured for attachment to an anti-rotation adapter 860 of receptacle800. Coupling sleeve 705 to adapter 860 can prevent rotation or spinningof the coupler 700 about a central axis (e.g., axis X shown in FIG. 16),thus increasing the life of the seal between the coupler 700 and thereceptacle 800.

Coupler 700 may be substantially similar to coupler 100 shown in FIGS.1-9 and described herein, in structure and operation, except for couplerhead section 701 comprising the anti-rotation sleeve 705. For example,coupler 700 includes coupler body section 102, same as coupler 100.Also, coupler head section 701 is substantially similar to coupler headsection 101, except that sleeve 205 is replaced with sleeve 705. Asshown in FIG. 10, anti-rotation sleeve 705 includes a back portion 707adjacent to coupler body section 102 and a collar portion 710 adjacentto a coupling end 711 of the sleeve 705.

Likewise, receptacle 800 may be substantially similar to receptacle 400shown in FIG. 4 and described herein, in structure and operation, exceptfor the addition of anti-rotation adapter 860. For example, receptacle800 includes coupling body 410 with lip 420 and recess 425, same asreceptacle 400. As shown in FIG. 11, anti-rotation adapter 860 isattached to coupling body 410 and extends annularly and concentricallyaround lip 420. Adapter 860 extends past lip 420 and includes one ormore bearings 870 adjacent to an outer lip 875 of the adapter 860. Inembodiments, collar 710 defines channels 712 configured to engagebearings 870 and secure adapter 860 to sleeve 705 when coupler 700 iscoupled to receptacle 800, as shown in FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 10, thechannels 712 are positioned radially around an outer surface of thecollar 710. The channels 712 extend axially along the outer surface ofthe collar 710 to prevent rotation of the collar 710 and, thus, thecoupler 700 relative to the receptacle 800 when the bearings 870 of thereceptacle 800 are received by the channels 712 of the collar 710.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of coupler head section 701 withsleeve 705 coupled around or adjacent to ball cage 225. Like sleeve 205,anti-rotation sleeve 705 is linked to probe assembly 215 through drivepins 210 and longitudinally translates with probe assembly 215 by virtueof these drive pins 210. For example, in FIG. 14, which shows coupler700 in a decoupled state (i.e. configuration A), sleeve 705 islongitudinally retracted with respect to ball cage 225. In FIG. 13,which shows coupler 700 in a coupled state (i.e. configuration B),sleeve 705 is longitudinally extended with respect to ball cage 225, sothat the sleeve 705 covers balls 245 and ball slots 910. In FIG. 15,which shows coupler 700 in a venting state (i.e. configuration C),sleeve 705 is still longitudinally extended towards front end 222 sincecoupler 700 is still coupled to receptacle 800 in this position.

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of rapid-connect coupler 700 andfueling receptacle 800 aligned along a central axis X. Coupler 700 isconfigured to couple with fueling receptacle 800 by sliding firstcoupling orifice 230 into coupling body 410 and around an outside of lip420, which enables retainer 240 to slide into second poppet orifice 430.When coupling body 410 is initially received within first couplingorifice 230, lip 420 pushes the one or more balls 245 radially outwardin their respective ball slots 910 until lip 420 longitudinallytranslates past balls 245. As sleeve 705 longitudinally translatesforward, towards receptacle 800, sleeve 705 presses balls 245 back intoslots 910. Once coupler 700 is fully coupled to receptacle 800 (i.e.configuration B), sleeve 705 covers ball slots 910, which locks balls245 into recess 425 behind lip 420 of the coupling body 410. This locksthe fueling receptacle 800 to the coupler 700, and secures communicationbetween first coupling orifice 230 and second poppet orifice 430.

As the coupler 700 is initially inserted into the receptacle 800, i.e.prior to engaging configuration B, the user must position collar 710relative to adapter 860 so that each bearing 870 is aligned with one ofthe channels 712. This enables collar 710 to slide or translate intoadapter 860 as sleeve 705 longitudinally translates over balls 245 andtowards receptacle 800, just before reaching configuration B. It shouldbe appreciated that failing to align bearings 870 with channels 712 willprevent sleeve 705 from moving forwards, thus preventing coupler 700from being coupled to receptacle 800. On the other hand, when collar 710and adapter 860 are properly aligned, attachment of coupler 700 toreceptacle 800 will continue to completion as described herein withrespect to FIGS. 1-9.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of coupler 700 attached to receptacle800. In the illustrated embodiment, adapter 860 includes three bearings870 a, 870 b, 870 c placed substantially equidistant from each otheralong an inner circumference of the adapter 860, adjacent to the outerlip 875. The illustrated collar 710 includes six channels 712 placedradially around an outer surface of the collar 710, so that they aresubstantially equidistant from each other along an outer circumferenceof the collar 710. While FIG. 12 shows bearings 870 a, 870 b, and 870 ccoupled to channels 712 a, 712 b, and 712 c, respectively, it should beappreciated that the bearings 870 may be coupled to other combinationsof channels 712 by rotating the coupler 700 until the other channels 712are appropriately aligned with the bearings 870. Other embodiments mayhave different combinations and/or arrangements for bearings 870 andchannels 712, such as, for example, only three channels 712, as many assix bearings 870, and others.

As shown, the channels 712 may be recesses or notches formed into anouter surface of the collar 710. In some cases, each channel 712 may beconfigured (e.g., sized and shaped) to receive any one of the bearings870. For example, a height and width of each channel 712 may be selectedto enable any of the bearings 870 to slide easily into the channel 712.In addition, a length of each channel 712 may be selected to prevent thebearings 870 from sliding off of a back end of the collar 710 as sleeve705 translates forward during coupling to the receptacle 800. In someembodiments, collar 710 may include a back wall that prevents thebearings 870 from sliding out of the channels 712 or past the collar710. In some cases, each channel 712 may be configured (e.g., sized andshaped) to form a tight or close fit around any one of the bearings 870.For example, each channel 712 may be formed by two walls that are spacedapart so that little or no gap remains between the channel walls and thebearing 870 coupled therein. This snug fit may be preferred to preventrattling or shaking of the coupler 700 as it tries to rotate away fromthe receptacle 800.

As shown, bearings 870 may be circular discs positioned on an innersurface of the adapter 860, just inside outer lip 875. Each bearing 870has a flat, round top and a height that protrudes substantiallyperpendicularly from the inner surface of the adapter 860, or towards anopposing side of the inner surface. The circular shape and height of thebearings 870 may be selected to facilitate insertion of bearings 870into selected channels 712 and sliding of bearings 870 through thosechannels 712. In some cases, each bearing 870 may be configured (e.g.,sized and shaped) to fit snugly within any one of the channels 712.

An example coupler disclosed herein for connecting a tank to areceptacle includes a housing, a probe configured to translate in alongitudinal direction within the housing, and a handle assemblyconfigured to cause the probe to translate within the housing. Thehandle assembly is movable between a first position corresponding to adecoupled position where the tank is disconnected from the receptacle, asecond position corresponding to a coupled position where the tank isconnected to the receptacle, and a third position corresponding to aventing position where the tank is connected to the receptacle andventing of fluid is enabled. The example coupler also includes aslidable sleeve coupled to an outer surface of the probe and configuredto translate with the probe in the longitudinal direction. The sleeveincludes a collar configured to engage the receptacle in the coupledposition and the venting position in a manner such that the collar isprevented from rotating relative to the receptacle in both the coupledposition and the venting position.

In some examples, the collar is configured to engage an adapter attachedto the receptacle. The collar includes a plurality of channelspositioned radially around the collar for engaging the adapter, and eachchannel is configured to receive any one of a plurality of bearingsincluded on the adapter. In some such examples, the plurality ofchannels extend axially along an outer surface of the collar to preventthe collar from rotating relative to the receptacle in both the coupledposition and the venting position. In some such examples, each channelis configured to prevent a bearing coupled thereto from sliding out froma back end of the channel. Further, in some such examples, each channelis formed by two walls configured to form a close fit around a bearingcoupled thereto.

Some such examples include a stop assembly configured to selectivelyarrest the translation of the probe in a first translation directionwhen the handle assembly is moved from the second position to the thirdposition. Further, in some such examples, the stop assembly isconfigured to arrest the translation of the probe by providing a hardstop for the probe in the first translation direction. Moreover, in somesuch examples, the stop assembly is configured to enable translation ofthe probe in a second probe translation direction, opposite the firsttranslation direction, when the hard stop is provided. Further, in somesuch examples, the stop assembly includes a pawl configured to occupyboth an active position and an inactive position. The inactive positionarrests the translation of the probe. Moreover, in some such examples,the stop assembly comprises a catch fixed to the housing and configuredto hold the probe in the inactive position, a lever configured to engagethe pawl, and a spring fixed to both the housing and the lever andconfigured to bias the pawl to the inactive position via the lever.Additionally, in some such examples, the stop assembly comprises a camconfigured to disengage the pawl from the catch and cause the pawl tooccupy the active position.

Some examples further include a plurality of radially translatableretaining objects configured to bind the coupler to the receptacle. Insome such examples, the slidable sleeve is configured to cause radialtranslation of the retaining objects. Some such examples include a ballcage. The plurality of radially translatable retaining objects include aplurality of balls disposed in the ball cage.

In some examples, the handle assembly includes one or more handlesrotatably coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the probe.Some examples include a poppet and a valve seat located inside of theprobe. The poppet is configured to translate with respect to the probe.

Another example coupler disclosed herein for connecting a tank to areceptacle includes a housing, a probe configured to translate in alongitudinal direction within the housing, and a handle operativelycoupled to the probe to translate the probe within the housing. Thehandle is movable between a decoupled position that corresponds with thetank being disconnected from the receptacle, a coupled position thatcorresponds with the tank being connected to the receptacle, and aventing position that corresponds with fluid being enabled to vent whenthe tank is connected to the receptacle. The example coupler alsoincludes a slidable sleeve coupled to and configured to translate withthe probe. The sleeve includes a collar configured to engage and preventrotation relative to the receptacle in the coupled position and theventing position.

In some examples, an outer surface of the collar defines channels thatare positioned radially around the collar. Each of the channels isconfigured to receive a bearing of a receptacle adapter to couple thecollar to the receptacle. The channels extend axially along the outersurface of the collar to prevent rotation of the collar relative to thereceptacle when coupled together. In some such examples, the channelsthat extend axially along the outer surface of the collar areequidistantly spaced apart from each along the outer surface of thecollar. In some such examples, the collar includes a back wall adjacentthe channels to prevent bearings of the receptacle adapter from slidingthrough and beyond the channels.

An example rapid-connect coupler disclosed herein for connecting a tankto a receptacle includes a housing body, a probe configured to translatewithin the housing body, a plurality of retaining objects, and aslidable sleeve configured to longitudinally translate with the probeand cause radial translation of the plurality of retaining objects withrespect to the housing body. The slidable sleeve includes a collarconfigured to engage an adapter coupled to the receptacle for preventingrotation of the coupler relative to the receptacle. The examplerapid-connect coupler also includes a poppet and a valve seat locatedinside of the probe. The poppet is configured to translate with respectto the probe. The example rapid-connect coupler also includes a handleassembly configured to cause the probe to translate within the housingbody and a stop assembly configured to selectively arrest thetranslation of the probe. The stop assembly includes a pawl configuredto occupy both an active position and an inactive position. The inactiveposition arrests the translation of the probe. The stop assembly alsoincludes a catch fixed to the housing body and configured to hold theprobe in the inactive position, a lever configured to engage the pawl, aspring fixed to both the housing body and the lever and configured tobias the pawl to the inactive position via the lever, and a camconfigured to disengage the pawl from the catch and cause the pawl tooccupy the active position.

It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like orsubstantially similar elements may be labeled with the same referencenumerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled withdiffering numbers or serial numbers in cases where such labelingfacilitates a more clear description. Additionally, the drawings setforth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instancesproportions may have been exaggerated to more clearly depict certainfeatures. As stated above, this specification is intended to be taken asa whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of theinvention as taught herein and understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given thefull breadth of the appended claims and any equivalent thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coupler for connecting a tank to a receptacle,the coupler comprising: a housing; a probe configured to translate in alongitudinal direction within the housing; a handle assembly configuredto cause the probe to translate within the housing, wherein the handleassembly is movable between a first position corresponding to adecoupled position where the tank is disconnected from the receptacle, asecond position corresponding to a coupled position where the tank isconnected to the receptacle, and a third position corresponding to aventing position where the tank is connected to the receptacle andventing of fluid is enabled; and a slidable sleeve coupled to an outersurface of the probe and configured to translate with the probe in thelongitudinal direction, the sleeve including a collar configured toengage the receptacle in the coupled position and the venting positionin a manner such that the collar is prevented from rotating relative tothe receptacle in both the coupled position and the venting position. 2.The coupler of claim 1, wherein the collar is configured to engage anadapter attached to the receptacle, the collar including a plurality ofchannels positioned radially around the collar for engaging the adapter,and each channel being configured to receive any one of a plurality ofbearings included on the adapter.
 3. The coupler of claim 2, wherein theplurality of channels extend axially along an outer surface of thecollar to prevent the collar from rotating relative to the receptacle inboth the coupled position and the venting position.
 4. The coupler ofclaim 2, wherein each channel is configured to prevent a bearing coupledthereto from sliding out from a back end of the channel.
 5. The couplerof claim 2, wherein each channel is formed by two walls configured toform a close fit around a bearing coupled thereto.
 6. The coupler ofclaim 2, further comprising a stop assembly configured to selectivelyarrest the translation of the probe in a first translation directionwhen the handle assembly is moved from the second position to the thirdposition.
 7. The coupler of claim 6, wherein the stop assembly isconfigured to arrest the translation of the probe by providing a hardstop for the probe in the first translation direction.
 8. The coupler ofclaim 7, wherein the stop assembly is configured to enable translationof the probe in a second probe translation direction, opposite the firsttranslation direction, when the hard stop is provided.
 9. The coupler ofclaim 6, wherein the stop assembly comprises a pawl configured to occupyboth an active position and an inactive position, wherein the inactiveposition arrests the translation of the probe.
 10. The coupler of claim9, wherein the stop assembly comprises a catch fixed to the housing andconfigured to hold the probe in the inactive position, a leverconfigured to engage the pawl, and a spring fixed to both the housingand the lever and configured to bias the pawl to the inactive positionvia the lever.
 11. The coupler of claim 10, wherein the stop assemblycomprises a cam configured to disengage the pawl from the catch andcause the pawl to occupy the active position.
 12. The coupler of claim1, further comprising a plurality of radially translatable retainingobjects configured to bind the coupler to the receptacle.
 13. Thecoupler of claim 12, wherein the slidable sleeve is configured to causeradial translation of the retaining objects.
 14. The coupler of claim13, further comprising a ball cage, wherein the plurality of radiallytranslatable retaining objects include a plurality of balls disposed inthe ball cage.
 15. The coupler of claim 1, wherein the handle assemblyincludes one or more handles rotatably coupled to the housing andoperatively coupled to the probe.
 16. The coupler of claim 1, furthercomprising a poppet and a valve seat located inside of the probe, thepoppet configured to translate with respect to the probe.
 17. A couplerfor connecting a tank to a receptacle, the coupler comprising: ahousing; a probe configured to translate in a longitudinal directionwithin the housing; a handle operatively coupled to the probe totranslate the probe within the housing, wherein the handle is movablebetween a decoupled position that corresponds with the tank beingdisconnected from the receptacle, a coupled position that correspondswith the tank being connected to the receptacle, and a venting positionthat corresponds with fluid being enabled to vent when the tank isconnected to the receptacle; and a slidable sleeve coupled to andconfigured to translate with the probe, wherein the sleeve includes acollar configured to engage and prevent rotation relative to thereceptacle in the coupled position and the venting position.
 18. Thecoupler of claim 17, wherein an outer surface of the collar defineschannels that are positioned radially around the collar, wherein each ofthe channels is configured to receive a bearing of a receptacle adapterto couple the collar to the receptacle, wherein the channels extendaxially along the outer surface of the collar to prevent rotation of thecollar relative to the receptacle when coupled together.
 19. The couplerof claim 18, wherein the channels that extend axially along the outersurface of the collar are equidistantly spaced apart from each along theouter surface of the collar.
 20. The coupler of claim 18, wherein thecollar includes a back wall adjacent the channels to prevent bearings ofthe receptacle adapter from sliding through and beyond the channels.